The Unique Journey of Ministry Life

Any pastor or minister can tell you that life in ministry is…well…different. It is not different in a bad way, but different from what others perceive. In a given week life may bring extreme joy or sadness, dependent upon what occurs. One day there may be a baby born, another day may bring a funeral. One day brings joy, another tragedy.

The details of a day in ministry may move quickly from crisis management to proofing a publication. It may move from sharing the Gospel to changing a rooftop air conditioner’s filter. (I remember removing a young child’s head from a toilet seat adaptor, fit just for daycare-sized bottoms, when he had taken it off the toilet and wore it as a neckless that was a touch too tight.) Ministry can bring great accolades from some and great criticism from others, each concerning the same thermostat, the same color of the carpet, or the same sermon.

In the recent past, I have preached and buried a friend, preached, written Bible studies, seen teenagers receive Christ, consulted pastors and churches to help them in various ways, attended dedications, church anniversaries, groundbreakings, official meetings in two states, baptisms, and many other activities too numerous to mention. In my current roll, as Executive Director of the Elmore Baptist Network, I offer more guidance and advice than “personal production,” if you will. Although I am blessed to lead in a way that overflows to more than a single congregation, I still minister and pastor, but in a broader context. Ministry is the life to which God called my bride and me back in 1990, when I was ordained by Paden Baptist Church in Gadsden, Alabama. I suppose mileage and mishaps have provided insight that may be profitable to others from time to time. I love my life.

Two weeks ago I was blessed to deliver the “charge to the church” in a deacon ordination service as they ordained two men. Yesterday, a church invited me to sit on a deacon ordination council for a gentlemen, and another church allowed me to participate in a deacon and minister ordination service, six men in all, by distributing their ordination certificates. All in all, this totals nine men who were recently ordained. I was honored to be part of these ordinations.

As I ponder what serving in ministry means for each of these men, I have a deep desire for God’s best for them. There will be ups and downs, but they have been called by the King of Glory to serve. What an honor!

The weight of this realization reminds me of a time when I was “between churches” for a few weeks. During this time, I found other opportunities for a bit, but never thought of abandoning the call, even though I weighed bi-vocational. (part-time), opportunities. As frustrated as I was, I knew God chose me to serve, but just as Job received some questionable counsel, I had a couple of people who thought I would do better if I abandoned the call. When asked why I was determined to continue in “church work,” I replied, “Because the church is the Bride of Christ. She may not always be pretty, and sometimes she can be downright ugly, but she is still his bride.”

If you are in the ministry in any form or fashion, I want to encourage you. I want to encourage you to stay focused on the calling God has placed upon your life. I want to encourage you to keep a long-term, eternal perspective. I want to encourage you to keep blinders on concerning distractions and keep your eyes on Christ while serving. Remember sometimes the church is not pretty, but she is betrothed to the Son of God.

If you know a pastor or minister, reach out and be a supporter, a friend, an armor-bearer, and a listening ear. Be the friend you would wish to have. Give him reason for gratitude.

“And we know that for those who love God all things work together for good, for those who are called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 ESV

I have no regrets concerning God’s call. I cannot imagine doing anything else. My life has been more than blessed. God has continually supplied every need and many, many of my wants. Furthermore, and more importantly, he has worked through me to accomplish his will in many situations, which I do not deserve. I remain amazed. It is humbling. God has it all handled. To God, alone, be the glory!”

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